We had the good fortune of connecting with Nick Choi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nick, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always believed my brain is wired more creatively, and that became especially clear right out of college. I was thrown into the deep end of corporate America, working 50 to 60 hours a week, and quickly realized I was trying to be someone I wasn’t. Yes, I earned a degree in business, but I didn’t leave college excited to crunch numbers and stare at spreadsheets all day.

I felt a greater calling toward the creative side of business and entertainment, work that sparks joy for others after their own 9 to 5. I wanted to build something that could outlast me, something I could proudly say I dreamed up and brought to life. For me, a creative career isn’t just about self-expression. It is about creating moments, stories, and experiences that leave a lasting mark.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I work in acting and modeling, and I will be honest, there have been plenty of times where I have felt underqualified to be in this industry. Still, my love for cinema and self-expression has always been stronger than my fear, so I decided to jump in anyway and face whatever judgment or rejection came my way.

Right now, I am especially excited about a few commercials I filmed that are in post-production. Being on set for those projects was such a fun and rewarding experience, and it reminded me why I love this work so much. There is something special about collaborating with talented people and bringing a vision to life in a way that connects with others.

Getting here has been anything but easy, and I know I am still only at the beginning of where I want to go. Along the way, I have had to take risks, say no to opportunities that did not align with my goals, and hear “no” more times than I can count. But every setback has taught me to keep showing up. I have put countless hours into honing my craft, and I try to meet new people every day because I believe relationships matter even more than the work itself.

If there is one thing this journey has taught me, it is that fear does not equal failure. Every successful person I admire has faced rejection again and again, but it only takes one yes to change everything. And above all, I want people to know that none of this would be possible without Jesus Christ. He is the one guiding my path, opening the right doors, and giving me every opportunity I have today.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was in town, we would kick things off with a trip out to Temecula for a winery day. It is such a vibe out there with beautiful rolling vineyards, amazing wine, and a charcuterie board you can snack on while just taking it all in. It is the perfect way to slow down and catch up.

In my opinion, some of the most fun and exciting places to check out in Southern California are right here in Orange County. Newport Beach is at the top of my list. It is clean, the water is beautiful, and it has such a great atmosphere, especially if you are with a group playing volleyball on the sand. After the beach, grabbing fresh seafood by the water while the sun sets is hard to beat.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give my biggest shoutout to my parents, Mama and Papa Choi. From the very beginning, they supported me in chasing a career path that wasn’t the most conventional or secure. They taught me the value of hard work, but also the importance of following a calling that feels true to who you are. Whether it was encouraging me through creative risks or reminding me of my worth when things didn’t go as planned, they’ve been my constant foundation. Every step forward I take is built on the love, sacrifices, and wisdom they’ve poured into me.

Website: https://www.bellaagency.com/la/lifestyle/men/2834294/nick-choi/portfolio/large

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nickchoi

Image Credits
@paulsmithphotography
@marvelstyle
@puma_kr
@danessamyricksbeauty

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.